About Us

The Izaak Walton League was founded in 1922 to conserve outdoor America for future generations. The League's 54 founders, who were avid anglers, named the organization after Izaak Walton, the 17th century author of The Compleat Angler, a classic book about the art and spirit of fishing. We are one of the earliest conservation organizations to set an aggressive course to defend wild America by changing public policy. Almost every major, successful conservation program that America has in place today can be traced directly to a League activity or initiative.

IWLA Video

IWLA Strategic Plan 2014-2019
The Izaak Walton League engaged members across the country in creating a five-year strategic plan for the organization. League delegates approved the final version of this plan at our July 2013 national convention. You can download a PDF of the formatted Strategic Plan (5MG file) or a text-only PDF. (Note: The formatted PDF may take a few minutes to download.)

Conservation Policies
Developed by League members in a democratic process, our Conservation Policies guide the League's work at the local, state, and national levels. These policies reflect our many years of conservation work and the conservation concerns of today. You can read the full list of League Conservation Policies (PDF format) online. League members interested in submitting a resolution should read our overview of the resolutions process.

Articles of Incorporation and BylawsThe Izaak Walton League's national bylaws govern the structure and mission of the organization. Amendments to the bylaws are made through a democratic voting process at the organization's annual Board of Director meeting and National Convention. You can read the League's Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws (PDF format) online.

Membership
Help protect America's outdoors – become a League member today! You will help support the important conservation and advocacy work of the League and receive exclusive member benefits, including Outdoor Americamagazine, electronic newsletters, and advocacy alerts.

Izaak Walton League Member Pledge

To strive for the purity of water, the clarity of air, and the wise stewardship of the land and its resources; to know the beauty and understanding of nature and the value of wildlife, woodlands, and open space; to the preservation of this heritage and to man's sharing in it.